It’s tough being aware of the negativity that we all are bombarded with on social media as well as all the other media outlets. It’s a constant stream, and it becomes exhausting.

This story is a nice break from that, and it brings some positivity into the light:

A marine was invited to participate in an annual powwow held by the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

Not only was the marine honored while attending, but he also engaged in a traditional dance with a Native American dressed in the traditional headpiece.

The annual powwow is a celebration that happens over a weekend, and it includes dancing, singing, dance competitions, feasting, and is overall a time to celebrate fellowship and life in general.

“This is the time when veterans, chiefs, royalty, and dancers make a grand entrance into the sacred arena. Flags are carried by veterans to honor our fallen, retired, and present veterans.”

The marine who was invited to the ceremony is Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent.

Part of his honor was to carry the American flag into the area to open the weekend on Friday.

But the most touching part of the event- and the part that went viral- was a traditional dance between a father and son.

Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent wore his uniform and stood next to his father, Corporal Vincent Kent. Together, they took center stage and began a beautiful dance.

At the time, both father and son were on active-duty as they celebrated the Bah Koe-Je people.

Lance Corporal Marland Trey Kent and his father danced to the music while staying in unison. The sight is powerful with the blending of Native American culture and the United States military culture.

Together, the men performed a Native American version of “changing of the guard.”

“That is the story we are telling in our dancing we crossed paths just once with myself in front and with son behind me, and then I turned to let him lead the rest of the way)”, explained Corporal Kent.

A group of other participants followed close behind the duo as they danced. From young to old, some dressed in uniforms and others dressed in traditional clothing.

The dance was captured by Hugh Foley, who then posted the video on YouTube.

It quickly went viral and made headlines across the internet in 2013. Afterward, Corporal Vincent Kent contacted the channel and provided a few details. He even explained that the pair were actually experienced in dancing.

“We did not practice this dance because we are both straight dancers from the Ponca War Dance Society. That’s how come he busted a move like he did!”

Some people were really touched by the video and left some comments on YouTube.

“I cried when I saw this man dancing in a uniform. I could feel just how prideful and honored he felt for his roots, and to me that’s one of the most beautiful ways to display your heritage! I love it!!”

Another person’s reaction to the video brought back memories for them.

“Seeing this brings back memories… to see an Iowa dance;., And, I am proud to be from my multi cultural home state of Oklahoma It makes me feel good to see 2 warriors.”

It was a beautiful dance to witness and was executed with deep meaning and pride. It’s nice to see traditions continue despite the world ever-evolving and carrying people’s lives down a path distant from their background.

See their touching dance in the video below.

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Source: Native Americans, See It Live, Bah Koe-Je